Menu Planning and Shopping

[onthebeach]

I know a while ago I posted something in regards to meal planning. I was hoping to post a continuous thread that everyone 9who wants to of course) can contribute.

What i have been doing is NOT working to cut my grocery bill in fact it has gotten worse. I am going to spend the time and focus on menu planning to help me cut my grocery bill.

So please feel free to post any comments, methods, suggestion, etc.

[IndianaMom]

I only buy what is at least 50% off, on sale with a coupon, or else we go without. Most of the time at least 75% off. I try to buy at least enough to last until the next coupon and sale cycle combined. Since I have stocked up on so many canned and dry items, as well as some frozen and snack foods and cereals, I never need to buy an item if it is not on sale. Once every 4 weeks I do go to SuperTarget or Walmart and supplement the few items we need to get that never have coupons, at the lowest prices. I only buy the produce that is on sale that particular week. Basically I can shop our stockpile for meals. I now have a 1 year supply of canned and dried beans, soup, oatmeal, canned tomato products, tuna, gravy, canned fruits and begetables, pasta, nuts. Other items like crackers and cookies have a shorter shelf life, so I have more trouble with those expiring before we use them, so a lot gets donated. Meat I buy once a month or so when it is on sale, but we only have our one freezer/fridge so I don't do so well in that area.

[IndianaMom]

Oh, and with spending, the envelope method really works. I shop a similar way, I am limiting myself to $100 a week, when the money is gone, I stop shopping, period. You'll figure out what you can live without.

[onthebeach]

Oh Yes...I love the envelope method......used it to budget soooo many things

[kelseymel]

Food is difficult for me, too. I'm so used to "What do you want for dinner tonight?" then going out and buying everything I need for that dinner. I seriously used to go to the grocery store EVERY SINGLE DAY. I now stock up on meat when it's BOGO. Buy fresh veggies when they are the cheapest and freeze them. I've had a FoodSaver for years (a gift from MIL) and rarely used it. I now use it all the time.

After making my price list, I discovered WalMart has the cheapest store brand pantry items, so I stock up on those (bread crumbs, cream soups for cooking, rice, etc.). This is hard for me because I hate WalMart with the fire of 1,000 suns - but I'm doing what I can to save $$. I also scan Target's shelves weekly for dry goods clearance.

Store-specific blogs have become my best friend in finding great deals.